HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TRIP TO VIETNAM ISLANDS?

Wanna have a good trip to Vietnam Islands? This review is all you need.

Lying along the Coast of East Sea, Vietnam is famous for thousands of islands with a magnificent landscape. Here are some tips for nature lovers around the world to have an affordable but still enjoyable trip to these heaven-on-earths.

1.When is the best time to visit?

As Vietnam is a narrow S-shaped strip of land, it covers three different climate zones. The climate of North Vietnam is humid and subtropical, while the South is completely in the tropics. Central Vietnam lies somewhere in between. Therefore, researching carefully the destinations you want to visit and choose suitable time is very important.

The North is best visited around March and May, when it is not too hot but still warm enough to chill on a cruise on Ha Long Bay. Central Vietnam benefits from a more consistent climate than its northern neighbour, with hot, sunny temperatures and little rain throughout January to July, so you can choose any time during that period to have a Vietnam islands travel.December to March is recommended for visiting the South as there will be less monsoon rain and not as busy as tourist season. Normally storm season starts from late June to August, so remember to check the weather forecast at least one week before the trip.

Ha Long Bay in a sunny clear day of May

2.How to have a good trip?

Hunt for cheap airline tickets fromVietjet Airlines, Jetstar or Air Asia to reach Vietnam. However, islands are all located far from main land so you have to take ferry or ship. Common means of transport from airports to piers to the island arebus or passenger car. Check the carrier's website for ticket fares as well as service packages based on the estimated time of the trip and book in advance if possible.

Famous tourism islands are offering various types of accommodation service, from 5-star resorts, hotels to cheap homestay. You can choose depending on personal budget, but living with a local family to explore new culture is definitely not a bad experience.

The most convenient means of transport on the island is motorbikes because taxis are quite scarce and expensive; moreover, using motorbikes to crawl around every corner of the island is much more exciting. There are many motorcycle rental shops with average rates ranging from 100,000VND to 150,000VND per day. Be sure to check the brake and fuel tank before renting.

Local cuisine is plentiful with affordable prices, especially seafood. Each island area has a famous speciality. Do not forget to check out menus of different places before deciding on a restaurant and be careful if you have allergies to seafood or some local spices.

Colourful fishes in a local market of Ly Son Island

3.TopVietnam Islands:

While considering a Vietnam islands travel, you must have come across some familiar names below. They are all suggested as best places that tourists should not miss when paying a visit to Vietnam.

Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Island:

There is no need to promote much of the site recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven natural wonders of the new world. Blue lime water with thousands of limestone mountains given in all shapes by Mother Nature creates a charming silk scarf across the Tonkin Gulf. Besides that, the majestic cave system with diverse ecosystems is suitable for adventurous travellers.

Located in the south of Ha Long Bay is Cat Ba Archipelago, known as a world biosphere reserve, in which Cat Ba Island, also known as Ngoc Island, is the largest of 1969 islands in the Ha Long Archipelago. Cat Ba has hundreds of caves with many beautiful original shapes, diverse and plentiful vegetation. There are many bays with golden sand, colourful coral reefs. Nature favours Cat Ba with a very rare forest resources and a variety of seafood. This will be an excellent option in the North Vietnam.

Chilling on a quiet beach on Cat Ba Island

Ly Son Island:

Situated 15 nautical miles from the mainland of Quang Ngai, Ly Son Island is among best destinations when travelling in Central Vietnam. Standing on the top of Thoi Loi, look down on a deep blue coastline and enjoy the breath of the ocean. The sea in Ly Son is not suitable for bathing and relaxation, but it is ideal for those who like to dive under the sea, discover coral reefs, fish and catch snails. In addition, you can visit cultural vestiges such as Hang Pagoda, Dau Pagoda, Chua Ngoc Temple, An Hai Village Communal House or camp overnight at Cau Cave, Small Island. Do not forget to buy some black garlic as a speciality souvenir from Ly Son.

Con Dao Island:

This Southern island will put a beautiful end to the list of top Vietnam Islands. As the place experiencing the ups and downs of history, this was once considered a hell on earth. The closest to Con Dao is VinhHai Commune, Soc Trang Province, 40 nautical miles away. This is now the resting place of Vo Thi Sau – national heroine, where revolutionary martyrs Le Hong Phong, patriot Nguyen AnNinh and thousands of other soldiers laid down.Con Dao Island is well known for not only its historical value but also promising tourism potentials. Although the island has inhabited for ages, it still preserves its wild beauty. Blue beaches along with white sand coasts, next to the majestic mountain ranges create Con Dao’s unique charm. You do not want to miss a chance to dive and contemplate one of the most beautiful coral reefs in Vietnam under the water of Con Dao.

Crystal clean water around beautiful Con Dao

Scary sight of Con Dao Prison – The witness of war crimes committed by French colonialists